According to the latest rumors, there are two different foldable iPhone prototypes that Apple is currently working on. Foldable smartphones have been on the market for several years now. Nowadays it’s difficult for someone to spend so much money on a device that doesn’t really offer that much. However, it seems like Apple sees a future in this technology and they already have two different prototypes.
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Apple is working on two foldable iPhone prototypes
According to a new rumor, two different foldable iPhone prototypes have passed several internal durability tests in Apple’s laboratories.
These tests were conducted at Foxconn’s factory in Shenzhen, China. It is not clear whether the two devices tested had different hinge systems or used the same one. It is assumed that these units were test units and not 100% functional as the main purpose of the test was to evaluate the durability of the Apple-designed hinge system.
The new report states that the tests have been completed and it is time for Apple to evaluate the results in order to choose which model to develop. Since it seems that only one will reach the market.
Not much is known about these two folding iPhone prototypes, although there are several rumors. We have no estimated launch date, so they could arrive in 2021, next year, or never.
The first foldable iPhone prototypes actually have two different panels, but when they are unfolded, they stand next to each other. Apple already has patents on this design, which could be updated in the future in order to use a single flexible display.
On the other hand, we have another foldable iPhone that might arrive with a “shell type” format, very similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip or the Moto Razr. This model does currently have a flexible OLED screen, Apple requested several of these screens from Samsung a few months ago.
There is still a lot of development to be done, and we will see if the company finally brings a foldable iPhone. So far its impact on the market has been very low, but they may have some different ideas to bring more value to this format.